Mooney M20C vs Cessna 172
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Mooney M20C | Cessna 172 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $39,900 – $139,500 | $27,900 – $589,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 122 kts (226 km/h) |
| Range | — | 640 nm (1,185 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 878 lbs (398 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $22,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $14,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $100 | $130 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateMooney M20C
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$14,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$34,000/yr
Cessna 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Mooney M20C or Cessna 172?
Pick the M20C if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$100/hr vs $130/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1962 vs 1956.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $27,900 vs $39,900, you save ~$12,000.
- More inventory — 413 listings vs 29.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Mooney M20C or Cessna 172?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Mooney M20C: from $72,500.
Cessna 172: from $125,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Mooney M20C and Cessna 172?
M20C engine: Lycoming O-360.
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
M20C: about $100/hr variable cost.
172: about $130/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
M20C: 4 seats.
172: 4 seats / 878 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
M20C: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$22,000.
172: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data